PCOS and BF help please

[PleaseJustLeaveYourBrotherAlon]

I am soon to be having my third child, the first never latched properly and I dind't feel she was getting enough milk (from latch bit also from me not producing) despite everyone telling me she definitely probably was. SHe wasn't and screamed and strained through every feed until she was given a bottle. She mixfed till 3 months

Second child fed like a dream but went very thin and I was told I had to supplement. He ended up being mixed fed until 7 months until I dried up due to supplementing.

Recently I was talking to a friend and discussing my PCOS and she mentioned that the hormonal factor might have been the reason I couldn't BF. I looked it up and there was loads of information that says many women with it just don't produce enough breast milk.

On the one hand I feel slightly less guilt for failing the first two times..on the other hand I'm now worrying about this one. Anyone in the same situation as me and managed to make it worth with subsequent babies?

I did domperidone and all the natural remidies and fenugreek etc. Should I start out mix feeding from the start with this knowledge? And if I do how do I do it so I give the baby everything they need but don't dry out my supply?

I would suggest getting hold of a book called Making More Milk by Diana West and Lisa Morasco - via Amazon or LLL Books - it's the best by far in discussing causes of low milk supply and ways to approach this.

My second suggestion would be to find a good bf support group her you that can support you on your journey.

Hi, I've also heard that about PCOS but I have PCOS and produced lots of milk. That said a friend who has PCOS had a similar experience to you with both her children, I think she mix fed both for a few months and then ff.

please don't think of it as "failing" to bf, mix feeding is still part breastfeeding.

I would suggest: first of all, get your dc3 checked for tongue tie ASAP if you have any latch problems (it's possible that was the problem with your dd and it often runs in families). A good latch is the main ingredient for a good milk supply.

second, I wouldn't start off mix feeding from the start if you really would prefer to exclusively bf. Start off exclusively BFing and keep an eye on weight gain and whether the baby is content and sleepy after feeds. Weight gain can vary a lot from month to month in Bf babies so don't panic if there is a little drop - I think drs only worry if they drop 2 lines on the chart.

third, you could consider renting a hospital grade electric pump. They are good at getting your supply going especially if you can't get a good latch straight away.

Good luck!

thank you lizzie

minnie I've read that it can send you one way or another no milk or even an over supply depending on your hormones. It's a fucker really. Also I have used several hospital grade pumps to no avail, pumpin does NOTHING for me

I don't know why not :(

that's interesting about one way or the other... so I guess I could go the other way next time. Mind you I guess that also means you could have loads next time!?

sorry pumping doesn't work for you... in that case it really is important to get a good latch early on, I'd suggest asking local mums for bf counsellor recommendations (ideally someone who can check for TT as well as check latch)